1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

The Plymouth Cuda has always been one of the pinnacle muscle cars of the era and has become a must-have for any muscle car collector. In 1970, Plymouth decided to step up its game with the new E-body, which was shorter and wider and removed all commonality with the Valiant. For engines, the Cuda had many different offerings from a 198 CI 6-cylinder to the mighty 426 CI Hemi, which was the King of the Mopar power options providing 425 HP according to the factory. However, it is well known that this was a very conservative horsepower listing.

Today, the ‘70 and ‘71 Hemi Cuda are still at the top of the food chain for Mopar muscle, fetching six- to seven-figure sums at auction.

The other aspect of the Mopar Muscle cars of this era was the "high impact" colors that were on the order sheet. Mopar also sported some of the best go-faster stripes like the Black Hockey Stick on the hind quarter of the ’70 Cuda proudly displaying the engine block, such as Hemi, in the stick blade. Plymouth advertised these cars as part of its “Rapid Transit System” and suggested that: “There are two kinds of Barracudas in this world. Those that do … and those that really do.”

This factory “R” code 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda has been beautifully restored to concours level in its factory-delivered High Impact EV2 Tor Red Paint and a black bucket seat interior. As factory optioned, this 1970 Cuda came with the legendary 426 CI Hemi engine and D21 4-speed manual transmission. The car also has the A33 Track Pak option with 3.54 ratio Dana 60 axle. This example is also one of only a handful of factory Hemi Cudas to have the ultra-rare and extremely desirable “V1G” Gator Grain vinyl top, which makes it extremely unique and highly sought after. There are only five Hemi Cudas accounted for with the factory Gator Grain top option. This Cuda is also loaded with other options, some of which include: power brakes, front disc brakes, Rallye instrument cluster, console, light group, glovebox lock, moulding-door edge, rear seat speaker, three-spoke steering wheel, V1G gator grain vinyl roof and V6X sport stripes in black.

This car has been subject to a ground-up, nut-and-bolt, cost-is-no-object, rotisserie restoration where the undercarriage, engine bay and exterior have been finished to better-than-new standards. The black bucket interior has been completely restored and looks just as good as new. This very special Cuda comes fully documented with a broadcast sheet, Galen Govier visual inspection, fender tag decode and restoration pictures.

A factory Hemi Cuda is certainly among the most desirable muscle cars of all time. In a market flooded with recreation cars, finding a real “R” code Hemi Cuda that is fully documented and restored to this level is a real challenge. All the right options with an elephant under the hood make this a great opportunity for the muscle car or Mopar collector. Further research reveals this car is the only known example ever built with these options, making it likely a true one-of-one.